Just sent out an invoice to a new client. Now I’m wondering how to make sure they’ve actually paid without seeming pushy. My bank doesn’t always show deposits right away.
Anyone have a smooth way of confirming payment without awkward follow-ups?
I don’t sweat it. Money shows up when I need it. Just keep working.
After years of freelancing, here’s how I handle this:
- Wait till the due date
- Check my bank account
- If no payment, send a quick email
I’ve learned not to stress about it beforehand. Most clients pay on time.
For new clients, I sometimes add a note to the invoice: ‘Payment confirmation will be sent once received.’ This sets expectations without being pushy.
If you’re really anxious, you could:
- Use an invoicing system that notifies you of payments
- Ask the client to send a quick ‘Paid’ email when they process it
But honestly, I’ve found it’s best to assume it’ll be paid and focus on the next project. The money usually sorts itself out.
I’ve been there. Waiting for payments can be nerve-wracking, especially with new clients.
Here’s what I do:
I put a note on my invoices saying ‘Payment received will be confirmed within 2 business days.’ This sets the expectation that I’ll be checking.
Then I wait about 3-4 days after sending the invoice. I log into my online banking and look for the deposit. If it’s not there, I send a friendly email like: ‘Hi there! Just wanted to make sure you received invoice #456. Let me know if you need any clarification.’
This approach has worked well for me. It gives the client time to process the payment without me hovering, but also shows I’m on top of things.
If you’re really concerned, you could ask them to send a quick ‘payment sent’ message when they process it. But I’ve found most clients are reliable if you give them a reasonable timeframe.
I usually wait until the payment due date on the invoice and then check the bank. If nothing shows up, I send a friendly reminder email.
For new clients, I mention on the invoice that I’ll confirm payment. This sets the expectation.
If you’re unsure, you could call your bank to double-check for pending deposits.
I don’t bother checking. If they don’t pay, I’ll know when I need the cash. Most folks are good about it. Just keep doing jobs and the money shows up eventually.
No need to overthink this. Give it a week, then check your bank. If nothing’s there, send a quick email: ‘Just checking in on invoice #123. Let me know if you need anything from my end.’ Simple as that. Most clients pay on time. If they don’t, a reminder usually does the trick. No point stressing before the due date hits. Focus on the work, the money side usually sorts itself out.